Dead… all of them… killed by that… thing…
Death scattered all over the castle grounds. Mangled bodies. Torn limbs everywhere. Most belonged to the Kingdom he had helped build. Some from nations he could care less of. But none of that mattered now.
Cradled in his arms. Dying. Breathing her last breath. Clutching to his chest with her only intact limb like a lifeline. The light in her eyes became duller and duller as he looked down at her battered, broken expression. Her tears of anguish. Of anger. Of despair. Bursting out as death overcame her and took her from this mortal realm. And then, they closed.
He knows this isn't real. Yet. He knows that this can all be avoided. He knows that his plan will work. He knows that everything will be done to stop this from ever happening. So, he shouldn't even be affected by this. Hell, he should've just banished this vision when it came around like what he had done the first time he saw it.
But why, why oh why, for the thousandth time, is he trembling at the sight of his precious student, her light abruptly extinguished? Why are his hands shaking as he carefully closed her eyes? Why is he crying as he hugged the dead carcass of his greatest achievement? Why is he shouting in rage? Vowing vengeance for this injustice done to her?
"Because you know that this is inevitable."
"..."
The beast finally spoke. its shadowy figure standing in front of the man and his student. Gazing with indifference as the black flames engulfed the city his student gave her life to. This wonderful, glorious city. Now destroyed. Not a single brick on top of the other. What's left is a half bent flag pole. With Camelot's flag still waving defiantly, but was slowly being consumed by the fire at the far ends.
"You of all people know… that I shall return. It is foretold that I will be there. At the end."
"You cannot come back. I ensured it." The man replied. Standing up as he summoned a coffin of flowers to dignify his students death. Like the thousand times he had done so. The flowers covered her from the feet up. It was the least he could do. He thinks to himself.
"But did you? Did you really think that your student was enough to keep me from my destiny? When we fought all those centuries ago, your 'victory' was incomplete. My magic lives on. My resurrection is nigh. And my disciple will make certain of it."
The magic of the beast swirled around the two. The black fires scattering all around the city started gathering around the small tornado. The fires then became solid. And cold. Hundreds of spikes made of ice surrounded the man and the coffin.
"You cannot stop fate, Merlin. You of all people know that."
And for the thousandth time, the spikes flew towards the mage's body.
Later that day…
"Your Majesty, we have reached the city."
"Good. Send a message to Tristan in earnest, Palamedes. Tell him that he will be in charge of the Kingdom whilst we're here. Advise him to heed the counsel of Agravain as well. I need both of them to work in unison to keep Camelot safe."
"As you wish, my liege."
It has been a couple of weeks since Captain Faust and his companions escaped the clutches of the Saxon Lord. Ever since then, the political landscape has shifted tremendously. Tensions are rising into new heights between the newly crowned Imperatrix Romula Augusta Claudia 'Nero' of Londinium and Hengist, the King of Eastland, protector of Kent and Sussex (West Magance merged with Sussex(the size of Sussex now is the same as the modern day county)). With each insult Imperatrix Nero has thrown at the Saxon Warlord, the chances of war steadily arose. The other thing that arose was Saxon incursions into Londinium's territory.
News of Saxon raiding parties started to emerge when Arturia and the 1st King's Army* were at their 4th week of journeying to Londinium. 5 small towns were reportedly attacked by Saxon soldiers by the time the weekend came around. As the weeks went by, the number of towns affected increased to 10 overall. With some of them experiencing repeated attacks on the same day. "And in addition to this week's fresh set of victims, the marauders ransacked a total of 16 towns"
One of which was a place called Hullbridge. It stood out from the other towns since in this one, the garrison with the help of the mercenary guilds within the town and every other able bodied man that were present defeated the raiders in a decisive manner. And if Arturia's news was credible and sound, a couple of the men who fought against the Saxon raiders were witnessed. They were wearing the forest green cloak with the Camelotian Coat of Arms she issued to her Light Cavalry troops. With one of these men having 'hair as red as a Scot and eyes yellow like gold'.
A detail Arturia couldn't help but remember as she was briefed of the situation.
But this news of her soldiers' victory at Hullbridge did not help the town in the grand scheme of things. The Saxons pressed the combined forces to the breaking point during their second offensive. After another sound victory against the invaders, (through the unbelievable ending of a storm of exploding arrows that the messenger removed from the report since 'it was too ludicrous to be real'), the Lord Mayor of Hullbridge declared an evacuation of all the citizens. Their destination being Londinium. Hullbridge was the farthest town within Londinium's circle of influence. It also had nothing valuable to offer that is worth protecting. So it was not included in the line of defence that the Roman remnant had planned. Meaning, that the town would not receive reinforcements should war break out. Something that's becoming evident as the winter season approaches.
Today marks the first week of November, 532. The beginning of Winter in Britannia. Usually, it would begin around December. But this year, things are different. The atmosphere is even more so. The air smelled like ash. The sky is as grey as such. It was a strange phenomenon. Since the last time this happened was… Never. There was no such thing as a volcano within Britannia, after all. The only thing this brought on other than smoke flavoured snow was the increased superstition amongst the troops. Rumours of a dark magic being at play circulated the 1st King's Army* Camp as they rested from the long march they just did. But, these rumours were quickly dispelled once Arturia formally addressed the situation after conversing with Merlin on the subject. To which the Mage hastily denied such things. The conversation with Merlin was… odd. At least, from Arturia's point of view.
Flashback…
"Merlin. I need to speak with you."
"Arthur?! Uh, what brings you here?"
Arturia could only frown in dismay at the sight of the Flower Mage. The two were inside the latter's tent. Merlin looked worse for wear. He was haggard and tired. His hair was all over the place, he's got deep eyebags. And worst of all, he has the face of a man who's seen someone die!
"Are you… alright?" Arturia asked with worry. Even though the man gave her more trouble than he's worth, Merlin's still someone who's been good to her. All her life. So, it does not need to be said that she cared for him.
"Never better, actually! I was just… having bad dreams. That's all." Merlin said as he got up from his bed and cast a spell that made him look fresh and clean.
"Now, what were you about to ask me?" Merlin asked.
"Sigh… You've been very strange lately. But now's not the time to discuss such things. I'm here to talk concerning a certain superstition floating around the camp." Arturia said to the mage.
"Oh? A rumour that's got you all in a twist. Now, that's interesting. You never let that sort of thing get into your skin, so why now?" Merlin replied cheekily with a grin. Arturia could only scoff before she proceeded.
"It's nothing of note. However superstitions like what I've heard do not bode well when it comes to my soldiers. The men are whispering amongst themselves of some 'dark magic' affecting the winter. The snow is black. The clouds even more so. Some say that the air is unbearable to breathe the moment the black snow starts appearing. Few are being reported for a strange illness that the healers could not identify…"
Arturia paused when she saw Merlin twitch a little. Does he know something that she does not?
"Intersting… now, this is making me curious…" Merlin said to himself. He turned around to where he kept his things and started rummaging around for something… a crystal ball.
"Isn't that the orb we used to communicate with Sir Archer?" Arturia asked as she walked towards the mage.
"Yes, it is. And I'm now going to use it. Shoo shoo. Go away, a magician never reveals all his secrets." Merlin said as he waved his hand in a shooing motion to his student. Something that Arturia was accustomed to since childhood. While the King was peeved at being dismissed like she was a child. She understood that this was something Merlin needed to do alone. And so, she obliged. Leaving the Mage to his devices.
But she did wonder what on earth was the spell he had cast for his tent to sprout out light all of a sudden.
Afterwards, Arturia was greeted by the mage with the news that nothing sinister was at play here. The 'weird air' ,as he called it, resulted from a volcanic eruption that occurred far away from the Isles. The sickness that's struck a few soldiers was them drinking tainted water. Merlin said that this is nothing to worry about. The ash and smoke would disappear in a few days.
He lied by the way.
Flashback End….
Right now, the King was on her carriage. A carriage big enough for 4. There were 2 men with the King at the moment. One young and one old. Sir Palamedes "the Saracen", who was drafting a letter to be sent to Tristan. And Brigadier General Morien Arthian. Commander of the 1st King's Army* and one of the more distinguished veterans from the war of the 12 Lords.
"Your Majesty. The needs of the army have increased dramatically. Ever since the fall season, Sir Palamedes and I inspected the border garrisons as you have requested. And, just as you commanded, we have examined the current state of the whole army." General Morien said with solemnity.
"It's even worse than you expected, my King." Added Sir Palamedes. Not looking up from his writings for Sir Tristan. Arturia could only grimace as she listened to the rest of what the General had to say.
"It's as Sir Palamedes said, your Majesty. The levies are ill-equipped for the upcoming winter. The Cavalry even more so. The garrisons need thick clothing for the season. The northern garrisons need their food supplies reorganised. The west lacks adequate weaponry; what they have are old remnants from the previous War. The coastal fortifications at the south need reinforcing and upgrades, but we lack the proper manpower, materials and time for such a thing. And worst of all, the eastern garrison is nearing open revolt." General Morien then grabbed a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to Arturia. The paper was bloody. With a hole from an arrow piercing the top section.
"Where did you get this, General?" Asked the King.
"On the body of a dead pig. I found the pig right in front of my tent when I woke up." Morien replied. Arturia - who was starting to feel a little stressed at the entire situation - then scanned the letter of its contents and read the most important bit out loud.
"... We will not follow you into a war that will end in our slaughter. The Saxons will not stop with just killing you, Arthur Pendragon. They will kill our wives, our children, and burn our homes until nothing is left but death and destruction! Offer any and everything to the Saxons in exchange for peace. Or else we will do it for you.
Signed by the 5th Army* and Commanding Colonel Bevan Bowdyn."
"To think that they would use pig blood to emphasise the threat. I have to say, if any lesser man would read that letter. They would be cowed." Morien commented.
"But I am not any lesser man." Arturia finished for the General. She then returned to the letter. Her attention specifically focused on the end.
Arturia was surprised at the name written at the bottom. She knew the Commander's name. Earl Bevan Bodwyn, son of Briant 'Strong Hair' Bowdyn. Bevan was but a little child when his father fought in the climactic Battle of the White Cliffs. Bevan was a bright boy. Always cheerful and joyous. And fiercely loyal too. Well, that's what his father Briant described him as. So, for Bevan to do this was out of character for him. But then again,
"Not all things are what they seemed, I suppose. If what these past few weeks are telling me anything, it's that I truly do not know who my friend or foe is." Arturia mused to herself as she looked towards the City of Londinium that was getting closer and closer in view.
"Find every available solution we have for the problem with the army, General Arthian. Sir Palamedes, send a second letter to Sir Agravain concerning the 5th Army*. Colonel Bowdyn would never do something this rash unless something forced his hand. You two must report to me anything and everything you find. I will speak to this Nero and see what intentions she may truly have to desire war against the Saxons."
"As you wish, your Majesty."
"I shall accomplish this, my King."
And with that, the King's Carriage stopped. And so did the ten thousand strong Army* following from behind. For in front of them was the host of Imperatrix Nero. Legio II Augusta was written on their banners. With the Capricorn as their emblem. In front of the Legion was Romula Claudia Augusta herself on horseback. Wearing her usual red dress but instead of the jewelled crown, she was wearing a Centurion's helm. The grey sky did nothing to damper the mood of the newly crowned Impertrix. But rather, the grey sky parted so that the sun light may shine upon the Roman and her Legion.
"King Arthur! We finally meet. Come forth and show yourself. Proper introductions are due."
The two doors of the King's Carriage opened. From the left door came out Sir Palamedes and General Morien. Arturia came out from the right door. Wearing her silver armour under her white cape with fur linings. With Excalibur sheathed at her left waist. Her golden locks underneath her crown moved about because of the wind.
"Greetings Romula Augusta. These men with me are Sir Palamedes, my knight. And General Morien, commander of my escort. I would like to begin with due congratulations concerning your coronation. I was told by my trusted men, Sirs Lancelot and Bedivere of the celebrations after the fact. It must have been quite the party." Arturia said as she and the two men with her approached Nero and her horse. The two men bowed in respect when the King mentioned their names.
"Thank you for your kind words, King Arthur. And welcome to my city. Greetings to you General and Sir Knight.
Speaking of Knights. Sirs Lancelot and Bedivere have been very kind to me during these past weeks. And my city commends them for their charitable work. They're quite the compassionate souls, your men. Helping out here and there whenever they could. And yes, they have been great company during the celebrations. Sir Lancelot especially." Nero replied with glee as she went down her horse to shake Arturia's hand.
"Oh? I wouldn't expect any less from my greatest Knight. He is a noble man through and through." Arturia said automatically. If there was one thing she expected Nero to say, it definitely wasn't that.
"He's a great man. Very patient and controlled. And very handsome…" Nero said as she listlessly looked to the side. Suddenly, her mood shifted and now she's like a ball of energy just bouncing all about.
"But moving on! Why don't you and your men over there follow me to my palace? You can camp your Army* just outside the walls of the city. No armed force is allowed within Londinium after all." Nero suggested as she clapped her hands.
At that moment, the sea of red clad levies split apart. Quickly getting off the dirt road so that Arturia's carriage can get through and into the city gates.
"Then let us depart. General Morien over here must stay with his army* to oversee the setting up of the camp. However, Sir Palamedes will come with me." Arturia replied.
"That would be fine. See you then!" Nero climbed onto her horse and commanded it to head for her palace. The King boarded her carriage with Sir Palamedes and followed suit. General Morien stayed behind with the 1st Army*
"I can't believe it! Just when I was about to catch up, Arthur left me again!"
The General turned to see a dishevelled Merlin on a white horse. Who looked like it was worked to death.
"Lord Merlin. You've arrived just in time." Morien unamusedly said to the mage.
"In time for what? To see my student entering the city without me?" Merlin asked as he tried fixing himself up to look presentable but to no avail.
"You can still enter the city if you wish to stay by the King's side." Morien suggested.
"Yes, I know. I figured. Now, thank you for that, General. I'll be on my way now. Hiyah!" Merlin then cracked the reins and the horse began speeding for the city.
"To think that the Great Merlin of Camelot would be left behind because he made a 'special visit' to the local pub a few towns back… no one would believe me even if I told them." Morien said to himself as he turned to his Army*. He then began shouting out orders to the Battalion commanders to start making camp. Now, if he can only find his staff, things would move faster.
Hours later… Outside Chelmsford…
"Argh! Another one escaped. Damn it, I thought I had him."
"You can't have it all, Gareth."
"You're not helping, Gaheris! That wolf was supposed to be our dinner for tonight."
It's been 2 weeks since Gawain's Company of 250 men reached the city of Chelmsford. So far, they haven't met up with Captain Faust's group. But that didn't mean they weren't busy. With the constant threat of Saxon attack, the lord of the city enlisted the help of Gawain's Company alongside many other groups within Chelmsford to build adequate defences and to garrison said defences. The Sun Knight accepted the request for help, of course.
Although the city hasn't been raided yet, its current condition is in between bad and terrible. One of the more notable problems is the ongoing food crisis Chelmsford is currently in. The food imports that the people need to feed their families are no longer available since the Saxons raided the towns these imports came from. The increased influx of refugees from the neighbouring towns only worsened the food shortage. The only available remedy to this problem was to forage for something to eat and fish for, well, fish. Which wouldn't be safe for everyone to do since not all are fishermen or hunters.
And that is where Gareth and Gaheris come in. fishing and foraging in the woods beside the River Can. One of the two rivers that the city is near to. The other being the River Chelmer
"Why couldn't we help in building the walls like the others have? It's not fair. They don't have to run around for hours chasing dinner that always runs away!" Gareth whined as he walked to the trees and bushes his arrows stuck themselves into.
"Well, someone has to do it. And also, we wouldn't be able to do much. Many refugees are already helping out in the construction. What could we do other than wait for our names to be called for random errands?" Gaheris reasoned out as he pointed his nocked arrow into the creek.
"Plus, not a lot of people can hunt and fish. They need our help catching food more than cutting wood."
"SPLASH!"
"Ha! Bullseye! Caught that fish straight in the gut." Gaheris happily chimed as he ran to his now 10th catch of the day. He's been catching his fish via bow and arrow since the beginning of the twin's venture out into the woods. So far, he's caught more fish than Gareth caught rabbits (which was 7).
"Argh! Don't brag. Just because you're better than me in archery doesn't mean you can gloat." Gareth fumed as he sorted his newly collected arrows back into his quiver. Watching his brother with a sulky expression as his brother who was packing his new kill had a smug look directed at him.
"What? Gloat? Me? I could never do such a thing to you, brother. I already am the better of the two of us. Why would I need to gloat about it?" Gaheris cheekily said as he held his laughter at the sight of a pissed off Gareth.
"Why you- come here!" Gareth roared as he ran straight for his brother. Gaheris in return, ran the other direction whilst laughing his ass off.
They ran for a few minutes with Gareth trying to beat the shit out of his brother but to no avail. They kept running until they lost sight of the River Can - the river they were using as a landmark to ascertain how close they were to the City. Gaheris tripped on a stone which caused Gareth to finally close in the distance between them. And so, he pounced.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! I Yield! Stop, it hurts!" Gaheris frantically shouted as he tapped Gareth who was locking him in a chokehold. Gareth then let go. Much Gaheris' relief.
"Even though you're better than me in archery, I can still beat you one on one!" Gareth exclaimed as he laughed triumphantly at his victory. To which he earned a well deserved punch to the shoulder from Gaheris.
"Jerk, I know that. But can't let me have a one-up on you at least once?" Gaheris asked as he rearranged his things.
"Ow… fine. You win this one. Truce?" Gareth asked whilst bringing up his non punched arm towards his brother.
"Truce." Gaheris replied as he shocked the offered hand. Both of them laughed at their ridiculousness afterward.
And then, Gareth saw it. Right behind Gaheris was the largest, most magnificent thing he's ever seen.
"Gaheris…" Gareth said in awe. His brother got the message and turned around. Like Gareth, Gaheris' jaw dropped at the sight in front of him. Quickly, with all the carefulness they two could muster. They ducked towards the bushes closest to their target.
"To think we found something this big …" Gaheris said as he knocked two arrows into his bow.
"If we bring this back to the city, we'll have enough food to last us more than one night! Catching this is way better than rabbits all day, everyday." Gareth whispered as he grabbed his wooden shield and lance from his holster.
The creature was drinking from the brook when the twins found it. Its magnificent antlers are unable to block the sight of its massive body. Gareth was so focused at the potential dinner he might eat that he didn't realise something odd about the animal. But Gaheris did.
"What's a Red Stag doing around these parts? I thought they could only be found at Alba*?" Gaheris asked.
"It is strange… I guess it's because of the winter? I don't know, brother. But at this point, I don't care. Now, come on. On the count of three, we strike at the same time. Got it?" Gareth replied. Body coiled and ready.
"Right." Gaheris replied.
"3"
"2"
"1"
"Now!" Gaheris shouted as he sprung up from the bushes and released his two arrows.
The arrows stayed true to the target. The first arrow hit the Stag's front right ankle. While the second struck the front left thigh. The stag reared in pain before running towards Gaheris.
"Gareth!" Gaheris shouted as he nocked his bow again.
"I know!" Gareth replied as he ran towards the stag. His shield in front of him to protect his upper body from what he's about to do.
Slam! The force of the stag came full force towards Gareth's shield. The knight wasn't bothered by the stag's attempt to run him down. So, he raised his lance and impaled the beast through the neck. It didn't take long before the mighty animal was but a corpse under Gareth's feet.
"Ugh… I got blood all over." Gareth whined as he wagged his spear and shield to get rid of it.
Rustle Rustle Rustle
Gaheris turned to see 3 more stags leap forward towards their fallen brethren and into Gareth. Had it not been for the twins' keen senses and reaction times, one of them would've died today. Gareth brought up his shield and spear just in time to completely stop the first stag's attack. Gaheris quickly launched an arrow to bring down the second stag, killing the beast as it fell on the brook where Gareth was standing. But he was not fast enough to stop the third stag from doubling down on the attack of the first. Who was already giving Gareth a hard time at the moment. Both of them knew that they were holding their ground against the beasts. The twins knew they were winning this fight. But, for some reason after seeing a hint of black, Gaheris looked away for a fraction of a second. And the next thing he saw was antlers. Gareth saw the same thing too.
"Ah!" Gareth screamed as an unexpected fourth stag from out of nowhere rammed him towards the trunk of a tree.
"Ugh!" Gaheris groaned as he was dropped to the floor by another unexpected fifth stag.
Both were down for the count. What would these Red Stags do, I wonder? Once they become unconscious? The twins don't know. Nor do they want to. So, with another wind of energy overwhelming them. They rebounded and managed to kill the retaliating stags one by one. Gareth slayed 2 before receiving assistance for the third kill from Gaheris after he managed to defeat the one that attacked him. In the end, when everything is said and done. The brothers were victorious.
"We did it…" Gareth whispered under his breath as he tried to regain his strength. Fighting 3 of the 6 stags alone was as taxing as his training with Gawain. So, he was definitely exhausted.
"We can't rest now, Gareth. We're still in the middle of the woods. Anything can pop up from anywhere. We have to pack these stags and get the hell out of here!" Gaheris shouted as he placed his bow and quiver on his back.
"Grrrrrrrrrrr…"
Turning to the direction of the sound. The brothers stood still in silence as the brown bear calmly walked towards the now blood filled brook. The bear sank its lips into the bloody water and began revelling in its wonderful taste. Its lust for more was increasing with every sip. While the bear was occupied with its delicious drink, Gareth managed to crawl his way towards his brother without triggering the bear to attack them.
"Is that… is that a bear?!" Gareth whispered to Gaheris. He was already shaking from exhaustion from earlier. Now, he was shaking in fear as well.
"I thought they were a myth! Elder brother never told us they were real." Gaheris replied. He was nocking his bow with an arrow he picked up from one of the corpses of the stags.
"What do we do? We can just run for it and cut our losses. Fighting that thing is impossible. Much less killing it." Gareth asked his brother. He lost all confidence that they could match the strength of this mythical creature. But he was sure that they could escape.
"I agree. Let's just leave." Gaheris replied. With both their minds made up. The pair began to stealthily retreat from the scene. The both of them were walking backwards with their eyes glued to the bear. Cautiously taking each step. They were so focused on the bear that they didn't expect to bump into a tree trunk as they walked backwards.
Snip
And they also didn't expect that the root Gareth stepped on was brittle enough to get snapped.
"ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR"
At that moment…
"Captain. How long will it take for us to reach the city?"
"Just a few more hours, Lord Mayor. We're very close."
"Oh thank God. If it weren't for you and your allies' protection, my people and I wouldn't have survived this journey."
"It was good of you to heed my council that the journey to Chelmsford was a safer route than heading off for Londinium."
"Yes, it was. We wouldn't have had your support had we gone to the capital. Now, would we?"
After the evacuation of Chelmsford. The town's Lord Mayor wanted to lead his people to the capital at Londinium. However, after counting the able bodied garrison who were still alive and well after the Saxon attacks. The Mayor found out that all of them who are able-bodied were the raw recruits who were tasked to stay behind and protect the city. The veterans and those with adequate experience to lead the young soldiers were either killed or incapable of fighting any time soon! Now, that is one problem no man must desire to have. Since it meant that the townsfolk had little to no defence against the raiders to protect them during the journey.
"Now why couldn't they enlist the mercenary guilds that were still present in the city? Surely, they would be the people's shield." They could, dear reader. But they were also battered and bruised. All of the guilds' numbers were rendered too few and too wounded because of the attacks to take on such a task. That is why Captain Faust and the Camelotians had the final say in the matter. Since he and the Camelotians were the ones who did the heavy lifting during the fighting and are still strong enough to fend off any invader on their lonesome. (Plus they have Archer, whose power is well known to those who saw). Wherever they go, the people must follow. At least, that's what the Mayor of Hullbridge understood about the situation.
"I wish I had sent that messenger to Londinium after I changed my mind. Now, he's probably sending false news that my people would be heading there. The news would stir a crisis due to the imminent food shortage that could be caused by our supposed arrival." the Mayor said as he gripped the reins of his horse tighter.
"I already sent a messenger bird to the city. It contains the updated information the messenger you sent lacks." the Captain said as he turned to Levi who nodded. It was the lieutenant who wrote the message, after all.
"Then I am grateful to you. You and your men are truly a Godsend. Especially that red haired scot." The Mayor said as he turned to where Archer was. The redhead was walking beside the horseriding Mordred. They were having a hushed conversation that seemed to be going nowhere if you were near them.
"What made you say that?" Faust asked before the Mayor got any idea of questioning Archer's more… supernatural side.
Too late, however.
"I heard of a… peculiar story from one of the townsfolk. Now, I won't tell you their name. But, I will tell you what I heard. I heard that that red haired man over there could do magic. Magic! It's been ages since I've seen a magician of his tier. Oh, but it doesn't stop there. I heard he could make any sword he wished with a flick of a wrist. And during the final battle, when hundreds of arrows rained down on the Saxons. I heard that those arrows were made by him. Him!" The Mayor was shouting and raising his voice to the point that everyone near the two could hear them. And boy were they all curious. Much to the chagrin of the Captain.
"Can we talk about this in private, Mayor? Without any prying ears?" Captain Faust asked while nodding his head towards the eavesdroppers who quickly turned away when the Mayor faced them.
"Ah! Yes, of course. Forgive me, I just didn't realize that this was a secret." the Mayor told the Captain. The two snapped the reins of their horses and in turn the horses walked forward. Away from the hearing of the people.
"Does King Arthur know about his power?" The Lord Mayor asked.
"That remains to be seen. But, knowing my King, I think that he had a suspicion. Who knows. King Arthur must've given him a separate mission only he was briefed of." Captain Faust replied as he gave a knowing look to the Mayor.
"King Arthur can be so secretive at times like this. A trait from his youth that did not die out as he matured. However, that secrecy is what makes him powerful." The Lord Mayor said as he reminisced the times he met the Camelotian King.
"He remembers you, Mayor. 'Greatest man in Londinium', was what he called you." Faust said.
"Did he? Well, I would say I warranted the moniker. Don't you think so?" The Mayor said in a cheekily manner.
"I would call anyone the greatest should they have done what you did for Camelot. Your books and letters have their own shelf in the King's Library. Giving knowledge and wisdom to all who come across them. I should know. I am a student of your teachings, Regulus Dominicus." Faust said with a hint of reverence for the man.
Regulus Dominicus. Mainly known as the Lord Mayor of Hullbridge. With his lesser known moniker being the Founder of Londinium. He's also the grandfather of Lucius, the former ruler of the city he founded. Regulus is a true Roman. One of the last, actually. He was born a citizen of Rome, spoke Latin and Brythonic. He rose through the ranks to become Dux (General) who led two legions during the days of Soissons. Guided thousands of Gallo-Romans in an expedition to Britannia, and formed a Roman-ruled realm out of the land that we would come to know as Greater London. Or for this age, Londinium.
"A student, you say? Well, considering you and your Cohort's achievements, I am honoured to know that my lessons helped you in some way. Though I wish the same went for my grandson… Oh, Lucius…" Regulus said as he frowned despondently. Faust felt that the man had more to say about the matter, so he stayed silent. He was wrong though.
"But enough about that. I'll tell you that story another time." Regulus said as he turned around to see if his people were doing alright. Faust turned around as well. But instead of the people. The Captain noticed Archer stopping his walk and looked towards a brook that leads into the forest.
"What's wrong, Archer?" the Captain asked as he commanded his horse towards the redhead.
"There are two boys fighting a bear not far from here. One is holding a lance, the other a bow. Both of them have Camelot's cloaks." Archer replied as he whistled for a horse.
"Huh?! A bear?! Where! I thought those things were a myth! My mom used to tell me stories about them." Mordred asked as she squinted her eyes towards the forest to try and see what Archer saw but to no avail. The Red Knight was so surprised about the fact that bears are real that she didn't realise that Archer used yet another skill that he totally did not tell her about. Oh, and also the fact that she blurted out about her mom and storytelling. She stopped her horse from moving to get a closer look at the forest and yet she still could not see them.
"Wait, you were told bedtime stories as a kid?" Archer said as he mounted his horse, a brown horse with black hair.
"Ah! Shit…" Mordred said as she cringed at her mistake. She didn't mean to say that part out loud. And to Archer of all people.
"Y-you have a problem with that? I had a normal(?) upbringing." Mordred said defensively.
"Nothing, really. I just didn't peg you for the type to listen to anyone." Archer said in a monotone manner as he fixed his clothes. He then smirked when Mordred finally understood the hidden meaning behind what he just said.
"Fuck you, Archer! I can't believe I fell for that." Mordred said as she tried to hide her embarrassment by looking away. While Archer can't see her face because of her helmet, he knows enough to tell that she was flustered. He chuckled at the sight. Which caused Mordred to send another bout of insults towards the redhead. But the insults were in good nature (if such a thing was possible, only Mordred could do it).
Archer was teasing her to get her out of that cold shoulder attitude she's been giving him for the past few weeks that started after their escape to Hullbridge. The current Mordred wouldn't even want to talk to him when he tried to start up a conversation while the Mayor and the Captain talked about whatever they were talking to. So to see that Mordred is talking to him again is kinda giving him a little glee. He kinda missed good old brash, braggadocious, rambunctious Mordred, after all.
"Captain, the city is in sight. We have to continue the journey." Levi reminded the Captain. Who in turn looked to the people of Hullbridge. Their visage of exhaustion and fatigue is clearly evident.
"Go with him, Sir Mordred. The rest of us will take the people to the city on our own." Captain Faust ordered.
"On it." Archer replied as he mounted the horse given to him. He then held onto the reins and was about to command his horse to move forward before looking towards Mordred to see if she was ready.
"Show me the way, Archer." Mordred said as she gripped the reins to her horse.
"This way!" Archer shouted as he cracked the reins of the horse. Causing it to move forward towards the forest. Mordred followed suit.
In the forest…
SLAM! SCRATCH!
"Grrrrr… How long will it take for you to aim at the blasted thing!"
"I'm trying Gareth! No matter what I do, it just won't go down!"
"Aim for the eyes!"
"It's not that easy!"
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRR"
The twins have been battling this bear for over 20 minutes now. They tried everything. They tried stabbing the bear, shooting the bear's knees with arrows, and even blinding it. No matter what they have done to kill it, the bear somehow maintained its ferociousness and strength. Nothing was affecting this beast. In fact, the arrows and spear strikes are only making him an even worse opponent for the twins.
The bear stood up on his hind legs and slammed Gareth's shield with all of its might. The shield could not withstand the power of the bear. It broke into splinters. But the moment the bear's paws hit the ground, Gaheris let loose an arrow that struck the bear in the eye. The bear recoiled in pain. And then, it brought a paw up to where the arrow was and pulled it out. Blood gushing all over the grassy ground.
"I didn't know bears could do that!" Gareth said as he stepped back to where Gaheris was.
"What do we do?!" Gaheris asked as he reloaded one of the last 4 arrows he had left.
"Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr"
Gaheris turned around to see another bear. He was so focused on the bear attacking them that he was unaware that another one was slowly approaching them from behind. Gaheris jumped away in fear of the second bear. Accidentally hitting Gareth's back in the process. The twins are now stuck.
"We're surrounded…" Gaheris heard his brother say. Fear and hopelessness within his voice.
"ROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!" The bear in front of Gareth brought up its right arm and bitchslapped the squire using the back of its palm. Causing Gareth to fall to the ground in pain. It was a good thing that he brought up his left forearm to protect his head. Otherwise, the squire would've been knocked out.
"Gareth!" Gaheris shouted as he ran towards his brother but was stopped when he felt 2 sets of paws pushing him down to the grassy dirt. He sat up and saw the bear that sneaked up on them slowly inching towards him..
Gaheris just froze in fear. His heart beating like the drums. He knew it was his end. His life flashed before his eyes. The memories he treasured resurfacing one last time. He remembers his 8th birthday. When his father gave him his first toy - a bow. He also remembers laughing at Gareth for getting a lousy shield and stick that was supposed to be a toy. Gaheris suddenly remembers all the sparring matches he and his brother had. He could never beat his brother when it came to that, he remembers. But the losses helped him become better at the bow - his greatest skill-. Through the losses, his eyes were now sharper; his hands steadier.
But why are his eyes dulled in his last moments? Why are his hands shaking? Where were his skills when he needed it the most? Gaheris doesn't know. His brain stopped working once the realisation that death was near struck it to oblivion. When was the last time he had breathed?
Darkness overcame the Squire. The moment, the fear, it was all too much for him to bear. Maybe sinking into unconsciousness was the best idea. So that he does not feel the pain of death.
Unfortunately, that also means that he would not feel the glee and overwhelming joy of what's to come next.
Just then… 3 minutes earlier…
"We're closing in on them, Mordred. Be careful, there are two bears now." Archer said as he cracked the reins even harder to gain more speed.
"Got it." she replied.
The Red Knight unsheathed her sword, Rhindon. And reminisced about the time she got it. For about a half a minute. This was the sword Archer gave her when they first met. And then her thoughts shifted to the redhead. She looked towards the man she called friend. The one who found out about her identity and kept it to himself. The one who was always with her whenever she fought. Be it Drecken, bandits, saxons, or bears. Through it all, Archer managed to earn her trust and friendship.
He knows all about who she really is on the inside. In the literal sense. Archer saw her face. The real one behind the facade that is Mordred of the Round. The brave, loud, and powerful 'man' who earned his spot through the King's recognition of his hard work and determination. But after their escape to Hullbridge, Mordred realised something:
She doesn't know who her 'friend' really is.
Mordred's still very fucking pissed at what he's done to her. And doubly so since he didn't even bother taking the time to explain himself to her. Why did he not tell her of his secret? That he was a magus all along? She knew a magus' magecraft when she saw it. The iron arrows, the projection magecraft, and even the enhanced eyesight that helped in finding where the 2 boys Archer knew of Mordred's secret concerning her gender. In that case, she's damn well entitled to knowing his secret of being a magus.
So why didn't he? Why didn't he tell her beforehand?
Why, for the many weeks they spent together on the road to Chelmsford - fighting off Saxons here and there and having each other's backs - did Archer not even talk to her about it? Does he not trust her? Why did she put her full trust on someone who didn't even do the same to her?
Why did her chest hurt when she asked herself these questions?
"LEAVE NOW!"
"What the fuck did you just say?!" Mordred shouted to Archer. She thought it was the redhead who cussed at her.
"Mordred? What's wrong?" Archer asked from the front. Turning his head to the side only to see an infuriated Red Knight.
"You know what you did. You fucking shouted at me!" Mordred said angrily. Her grip on Rhindon became ever so tighter.
"When did I do that?" Archer shouted. Confusion all over his voice. It made the Red Knight think twice about what she just heard. She looked around and saw nothing but Archer, the trees, the ever nearing bears and the boys who were thrown to the ground by said bears.
"LEAVE!"
Mordred's jaw dropped when she realized that the voice that shouted at her came from… the bear that's just knocked down the boy with the lance. She's starting to think that she's crazy at this point.
"Wait… that lance…" Mordred's attention piqued to the lance the boy was holding. As her horse ran closer and closer to the scene, she realized that it was Gawain's spear! And he gave that spear to Gareth for his promotion from Page to Squire!
Which means…
"Gareth!" Mordred shouted as she cracked the reins to go faster than Archer. Completely casting aside her bewilderment at the talking bear. She became so fast that the distance between her and the twins evaporated in an instant. Which isn't saying much since Archer and Mordred were like 20-30 yards away from the twins by the time the Red Knight realized who the downed boy was.
And speaking of the downed boy. Gareth turned to where the voice was for half a second before hearing the growling of the bear in front of him. The bear then raised up its paws and slammed them down where Gareth was. The Squire quickly rolled to the right to avoid the powerful attack. In retaliation, the bear bared its fangs and lunged itself face first in an attempt to bite off Gareth's head. Teeth then met with metal, for the Squire managed to raise his lance just in time. But it was not to last since the bear was using all its strength to wrestle the staff from the boy's hands.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Gareth heard a thunderous voice before he saw the bear that was about to eat his head for dinner rear its ugly head as a silver sword with gold runes impaled the beast from the back. The whole blade coated in blood as the hilt touched the spine.
"s-s-s-Sir Mordred?!" Gareth shouted in relief as he registered whose voice called out to him. He quickly stood up once he realized that the bear was now dead and that its blood was dripping on his clothes.
"Missed me?" Asked the Red Knight as she unsheathed Rhindon from the bear's body and tore off the forest green cloak she was wearing. Her silver armor shimmering under the forest canopy.
She turned around towards the second bear that was on top of Gaheis. The bear was just looking at her menacingly. It didn't eat Gaheris. Didn't kill him. It's just… sitting on the Squire.
Heh. Like that's gonna stop her.
Mordred was like a blur as she cut down the brown bear. Paws were cut off. Limbs were torn apart. It was a bloody scene by the time she was through with the bear. Guts all over the ground. Bones protruding out of the body. All in under a minute. I guess Gaheris being unconscious was a good thing after all.
The Red Knight then kicked the bear towards a tree. A tree far away from the Squires and Archer. Somehow, someway, it was still breathing.
She was triumphant once more, she thought. She, Mordred of the Round, defeated not one brown bear. But two! These legendary beasts of fairytale that were all but extinct in the eyes of many. Felled by her and her alone Oh boy, was she going to brag about this to the others. This was a great achievement!
And then, the bear roared.
"Why did you attack us?! Why didn't you save us?!"
"You can talk…" Mordred whispered in controlled surprise. Her entire world was being overturned by the minute this conversation was going on. But, she can't let her guard down. A talking bear is still a bear.
"Those two killed my friends. And you protected them by killing my brother! How could you?" The bear roared in agony. Mordred suddenly shook. Her body got chills. As if she'd done something terribly wrong but didn't know it yet.
"That sword was meant to protect us. You were meant to protect us!" The bear roared in anger. The bear was dying at this point. But, he was still a sentient being. If he was going to die, he might as well wonder why the hell his supposed 'protector' just up and killed him, his brother and shielded the murderers of his friends, the stags.
"What the fuck are you talking about?!" Mordred asked as she gripped Rhindon with two hands and pointed the sword towards the bear.
But it was all for naught. For the bear breathed its last. His eyes burning with fury and rage. And as Mordred's bloodlust faded, guilt overcame her.
"What the hell was that…" Mordred asked herself as she stared at the bear who just talked. She was overwhelmed by the events prior. So many questions in her head. With no answer in sight. Did she just make a huge mistake? How was that bear talking in the first place? How come she understood that bear? Is she a bear turned human? The bear said something about the sword? What the fuck does this sword have anything to do with this?! She looked at the bloody sword she was holding. Its runes glowing gold underneath the forest canopy. Did her sword always look like that? What was that rush of bloodlust from earlier? Did the swor-
"Mordred."
"Huh?" With the Red Knight now broken from her reverie, she turned around to see a grimacing Archer. Who was carrying Gaheris on his back. Looking concerned and all.
"Are you alright?" The redhead asked. He didn't see the part where Mordred was chatting with the bear since the Red Knight kicked to an area he couldn't quite see or hear them. So, he decided to just take care of the twins. After taking care of Gareth, Archer went and carried Gaheris before finding Mordred. Speaking of the Red Knight.
"..." Mordred started walking towards the area where the horses were. No explanation, no words uttered, nothing. She just sheathed Rhindon and kept walking.
"Mordred?" Archer called out as he followed the Red Knight.
"I'll explain later. We don't have much time. This forest is too dangerous to stay any longer." Mordred said without looking at Archer. You could say that she was still processing the whole thing. So, even she didn't know what to truly make of it. But the Red Knight did have a point: they needed to get the hell away from the forest.
"...Right." Archer relented as he whistled to his horse. The horse then approached the redhead as he commanded it. Archer then carefully set Gareth on the horse before climbing onto it. Using his forearms to keep the squire in place.
"Gareth, get on the horse. We're leaving." Mordred said in an unexpectedly deflated tone. The Squire obeyed in haste. Getting on the horse while adjusting a bit to give the Red Knight some room.
"I need something to drink…" Mordred said to herself as she cracked the reins of her horse.
Londinium… Hours later
"Welcome, everyone! Lords - and Ladies - from all the corners of these British Isles, I welcome you. A toast! To good health and fortune."
It's been hours since Arturia's first encounter with Nero. Other than that, she has failed to reach her for a private conversation. And it's not that the Roman Imperatrix was purposely avoiding her. The King of Camelot had to entertain her allies (invited by her), Nero's guests - comprised of nobility and peasantry - who were enamoured of her, dignitaries of fiefdoms whose Lords cannot arrive for the grand meeting, and finally, she had to converse with her past enemies. Particularly Urien, King of Cornwall and husband to Morgan Le Faye. Her brother-in-law.
You can tell how much of a superstar status Arthur has garnered throughout the years when it takes literal hours for her to greet everyone who wants to meet her.
"A toast to the fine and handsome King Urien of Cornwall." Nero called out from her seat at the table.
"Hear, hear." The guests said as they raised their cups towards the King. Said King brought his cup up to eye-height and then downed the contents. To Arturia, this shows how King Urien is not stellar in the eyes of many nor is he subpar. He is adequate, in terms of the royalty here.
"A toast to the heir to Mercia! Cnebba, son of Icel." Nero said as she pointed her cup towards the Mercian heir. The heir replied in the same way as Urien. However, he did not receive the "Hear, hear" as Urien did. A sign of unpopularity or lack of favour amongst the foreign lords and even his own supporters, in Arturia's point of view at least.
Arturia met Cnebba's father. Though in unsavoury circumstances. Mercia was one of the enemies of Camelot during the war of the Twelve Lords. Icel was their leader. And a formidable one too. Second only to Cornwall in strength back then. Cnebba was but a boy during those times. Far away from all the battles and warfare. This meeting was the first time Arturia and he personally met.
If only Cnebba hadn't inherited his father's distaste for everything Camelotian, Arturia and he could've been decent acquaintances.
"A toast to Maelgwn, King of Gwynedd. Dragon of Anglesey."
"Hear, hear!" The guests - the Welsh at least - were a little louder when it came to Maelgwn. But not enough to be excessive. He was one of more senior lords of Britannia. Just like Icel. He was also a former enemy of Arturia. Just like Icel.
However, unlike Icel, Maelgwn was made Arturia's client. A puppet of sorts that rules over his people like a regular ruler would. But everyone knows that the Camelotian was the true ruler of the northern Welsh. Much to the delight of the people there. Well, except for the nobles. And Maelgwn himself. They still seek freedom from Camelot.
The toasting went on until every major power was given a toast. The Kings of Dyfed (Camelot's second client state), Rheged, Strathclyde and a few of the minor Irish lords were given toasts. Each replied in the same manner the first 3 had.
"Quite extravagant, this Nero is. Don't you agree?"
Arturia's attention had left the increasingly boring ceremony. She was now focused on her seatmate. A person she did not expect to be there anytime soon.
"Queen Iseult. I didn't notice you there. And yes, Nero is a little too flamboyant in my personal opinion. That said, she does play the role of a cheerful host quite well." Arturia cooly said. Hiding her surprise underneath her icy visage. Showing no emotion other than mild curiosity.
"Of course you didn't. I had asked your Knight, Bedivere, to switch seats prior to this conversation." Arturia then looked around to find her knight and saw him at the far corner conversing with one of the Irish dignitaries. She then looked to her right and saw Lancelot sitting beside her still. Calmly conversing with the dignitary of Powys (who shouldn't even be here since Powys is ruled over by Camelot (Subjects can't send dignitaries under Camelotian law)).
"You are right about Nero in that regard, King Arthur. I don't know where she gets all that energy from. I was never that energetic when I was her age." The Queen said as she gazed at the Imperatrix with inquisitive eyes.
"Eire must be in an unstable situation for King Anguish to be absent from this meeting." Arturia commented as she leaned on her left elbow and rested her chin on her fist. The Queen visibly froze when Arturia mentioned her husband.
"Not exactly…" Iseult replied in a shaky manner. Looking all sad and downtrodden. Just from a look of the Queen's despondency did Arturia connect the dots concerning the King's absence.
25 years ago, Anguish witnessed his father's death at the hands of Hengist's armies during the many battles at the time. When Anguish assumed the throne at age 15, he swore an oath never to set foot out of Ireland. Cursing the land at which his father's blood watered the ground.
"How's your daughter?" Arturia changed the subject.
"Iseult is alright. She's staying in her room right now. My brother Morholt is guarding her." The Queen replied. Smiling at the thought of her beloved child.
"She's all grown up now. A beautiful rose, that girl." Iseult said.
"As brilliant as her mother and as noble as her father." Arturia added.
"Oh, don't you start. You might start chasing after her for all I know." Queen Iseult said jokingly.
"By God. I am married, Queen Iseult. I cannot allow myself to indulge in such sin." Arturia replied coolly. But to the Queen, she understood that this was Arturia's way of playing along. She chuckled at the sight. When has it been that she saw Arthur Pendragon of all people crack a joke? It's a rare moment, mind you.
"You need to let yourself go sometimes, King Arthur. You might just turn into stone one day." the Queen said. Arturia was going to reply to that but was stopped when Nero's voice caught her attention.
"A toast to Queen Iseult. Wife to King Anguish of Eire."
"Hear, hear!" The Irish lords and dignitaries all but shouted at this part. While Eire's allies said their replies in a tone a little louder than beforehand. To Arturia, it shows how much power and influence she has over her people and allies. The King of Camelot silently wondered to herself how loud her cheers would be at this point.
"And finally, a toast. To the High King of Britannia. Arthur Pendragon!"
"HEAR, HEAR!"
Everyone rose up from their seats. when Arturia's name was called. Something no one did for the other Kings or Lords present. Who wouldn't? When the greatest man of the age is there in all his glory, you would do the same thing. Arturia could only rise up with them and reply in the same manner every other King had before her. Even her enemies of past and present are begrudgingly rising up alongside everyone else.
Raising her cup high up in the air and then drinking all of its contents. It wasn't long before everyone followed suit. Something that no one ever did when the other Kings drank their share.
This whole thing - the toasts and the 'hear, hears' - they were all just a show of power. Nero was clever into goading the Kings to reply to her toast. She measured and gauged the power and support each King had within the room. With Cnebba being the weakest of the bunch and Arturia as the most powerful. The moment everyone rose up at the sound of her name did Arturia understand the same thing Nero did. It was all for the sake of political sway. And who had the most of it. Arturia realised then and there that she has the whole support of everyone in the room. Whatever she wants, she will get. Maybe that peace she so desperately desired was in her grasp after all.
Unfortunately for her, this moment was the only good thing she would ever gain from this meeting.